Fitness

The best workouts for your condition

When you have a chronic condition, exercise might be the last thing you want to do. But working out might also be one of your best tools for staying energized and strong.

man swimming

Try these workouts from Katrina Pilkington, a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist. 

 

Type 2 Diabetes

COPD, Asthma, or Chronic Bronchitis

  

High Blood Pressure or High Cholesterol
THE BENEFITS  THE BENEFITS THE BENEFITS
  • Improves insulin health 
  • Helps keep blood sugar levels stable
  • Increases lung capacity and breathing rhythm
  • Strengthens immunity
  • Lowers blood pressure    
  • Improves cholesterol 
  • Reduces the risk of a heart attack
YOUR GO-TO MOVES YOUR GO-TO MOVES YOUR GO-TO MOVES

Strength Training: Weight lifting increases muscle mass, which can help you burn more calories and keep blood glucose levels in check.

Cycling, Swimming, and Walking:
Low-impact cardio can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Aim to exercise after meals. Research has shown that a short walk after eating may regulate blood sugar better than walking at other times.

Cycling and Walking: Low-intensity forms of aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, and cycling, improve lung function. These activities increase breathing rate and how much air you take in and expel with each breath.

Indoor Exercise: Work out inside to avoid extreme temperatures, pollen, and air pollution that might aggravate your lungs.

Cycling, Swimming, and Walking:
Make sure you can speak full sentences while doing low-impact cardio. This will improve your health without making your heart rate too high.

Lifting Weights:
An hour each week may help reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke by 70 percent, according to a 2019 Medicine & Science in Sports study.
* Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. If you’re unsure how to do an exercise, talk to your doctor or a gym staff member.

 

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